Thursday, May 31, 2012

Finger Lakes, Ontario, Michigan and Germany Face Off In Blind Riesling Tasting

May is Riesling Month and for Toledo Wines and Vines, it is a festive time. We love Riesling – and any excuse to raise a glass of this wonderful wine is quite welcome.

The wineries of the Finger Lakes are hosting the Riesling Hour Twitter tasting tonight (May 31) from 6:00 to 9:00 PM EDT. (Pop open a bottle of Riesling and use #FLXwine to tweet.) Unfortunately this year a conflict with a league tennis match means I can’t  participate
(bummer!).

Have no fear – the TWAV tasting team got an early start and did a blind Riesling tasting to celebrate the wine we love – plus, it’s cool!

The wines were bagged in as blind a fashion as we could and our tasting team quickly assembled to enjoy the hospitality of Wine Chick and Sax Man. Eric and Linda (PsychDoc) joined Green Dragon and me to round out the tasting team.

The blind tasting bags have the letters “WINES” on them and so we began with the letter “W.” The wines were not revealed until all five had been tasted.

W – Light gold in color with a medium body. Starts with a burst of peach and citrus with a pinch of sweetness. Great balance. I would have been satisfied if this were the only wine I drank that evening. (Hermann J. Weimer 2009 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes)

I – Light yellow in color with a massive fruit and floral bouquet with a hint of petrol. This wine has a full body and an unexpected sweetness. When I purchased this online, it called it an off-dry Riesling. Not hardly. But a sumptuous wine with the right food. Needs Gouda or some spicy food. (S.A. Prüm 2006 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese, Mosel)

N – Very pale in color, especially after “I,” and was pleasingly dry. A nice interplay of minerality and acidity. Citrus dominated the nose and flavor notes, but in an elegant way. (Ravines Vineyard 2009 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes)

E – This wine was dancing on our tongues. The aroma was zesty, but it was closed on the palate. A smoother, lighter wine than the first three with the emphasis on minerality versus fruit. (Inniskillin 2009 Two Vineyards Dry Riesling, Niagara Penninsula, Ontario)

S – Lemon-lime swirls around this wine, which had lower acidity than the previous four. Tart and satisfying, but less complex than its alphabet brethren. (Lakewood Vineyards 2008 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes)

Bonus Wine – Ever eager to be comprehensive in our wine tasting so we can share this knowledge with our readers, we delved into the back-up stock of wine and brought out a J Trees Cellars 2008 Dry Riesling, Michigan. We’ve lauded this as the best within 150 miles of Toledo. It was enjoyable, but on this night fell short of the distinguished competitors (which were all outside that 150-mile radius).

And the winner is… First of all, props for Sax Man, who was able to correctly identify all the wines before they were revealed.

The favorite of all six of the tasting crew was... the Hermann J. Weimer 2009 Dry Riesling. This really is what great Riesling is all about, nuanced flavors, crisp acidity and perfect balance wrapped into a glorious package. Bravo!

Pulling into second place was another Finger Lakes favorite, Ravines Vineyard, with its 2009 Dry Riesling.

The S.A. Prum Auslese was the least favorite, but that’s because it was a sweeter Riesling against an array of crisp dry wines. This is a proud German vino that should be served as an aperitif or with a properly spicy dish.

Happy Riesling Hour and Riesling Month from the Tasting Team at TWAV.

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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: May 30–June 2, 2012



Wednesday, May 30
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. 1. Treasure Hunter “Helen’s Helm,” 2. Treasure Hunter “Constantine’s Watch,” 3. JaM Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. Cameron Hughes “Lot 285″ Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. $10 or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Pinots. $15.
Thursday, May 31

Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. 1. 2010 Michael David – Incognito – White Blend– Lodi, California, 2. 2010 Fontaleoni – Vernaccia – San Gimignano, Italy, 3. 2010 Dona Paula – Malbec– Mendoza, Argentina, 4. 2008 Medlock Ames – Red Blend – Healdburg, California. Flight $6 or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Full Throttle Chardonnay: 1. Cameron Hughes Lot 222 Los Carneros Chardonnay, 2. Concha y Toto Amelia Chardonnay, Chile, 3. Selby Russian River Chardonnay, 4. Floral Spring, Napa Chardonnay, 5. Abeja Washington State Chardonnay, 6. Cakebread Napa Chardonnay, 7. Chateau Montelena Napa Chardonnay, 8. Kistler Sonoma Mountains Chardonnay. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Pinot. $15.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, June 1
Special Event  Wood County Humane Society's Wine and Cheese Benefit  6:00 – 10:30 PM, Bowling Green State University, Olscamp Hall. Dinner, desserts and fine wines to benefit the animals in our community. Silent and live auctions and music. Tickets $45. For information, please e-mail wchsevents@gmail.com . For tickets, use the order form at the Wood County Humane Society website.

Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Wines of Spain: 1. Raventos i Blanc Cava, 2. Burgans Albarino, 3. Volver Tempranillo, 4. Atteca Garnacha. $15 tasting.

Saturday, May 26
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Wines of Spain: 1. Raventos i Blanc Cava, 2. Burgans Albarino, 3. Volver Tempranillo, 4. Atteca Garnacha. $15 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. New limited-availability closeout wines. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12 – 5 PM. New Discoveries.  A diverse collection of wines from around the world that have recently arrived in the wine shop.  Be among the first to taste these new wines. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.






Next Week
Tuesday, June 5
Maumee Wines and The Bistro2556 Parkway Plaza, (419) 893-2525. 6:30 – 8:30 PM. Wines for the grilling season. Chef Justin Thomas will grill up some specialties to match the wines. Four crisp whites and four silky, spicy reds. $25.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Domaine de la Solitude 2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape


We came across this wine at the Rose & Thistle in downtown Perrysburg. Green Dragon and I stopped in for a glass of wine with our friends Gary and Kelly. I had prepared to opt for wine by the glass – not wanting to get too much – but Green Dragon suggested it was more sensible to get a bottle. So we did.
The wisdom of this approach was quickly affirmed as I noticed a bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape on the wine list for $35. This appeared to be a crazy bargain. I quickly fired up my Cor.kz application on my phone and saw that the going price for this wine is $38 to $40 – and that’s before the typical 25% to %50 mark-up you expect at a bar or restaurant. Score! No matter the price – this was the wine for us.
The Domain de la Solitude is 55% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Cinsault and Mourvedre. The wine had just the right approach – not too tannic, but with enough body to please our crowd. It is a graceful wine that is dark ruby red. It is juicy with red fruit and berries. It has quieter melodic strains of herb and earthiness mixed into the composition.
This was a thoroughly rewarding bottle of wine from a powerhouse winemaking region from France. Highly recommended!
Rating: 4.5 of 5   Value: 4 of 5

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Weingut Burg Ravensburg 2009 Dry Riesling, Baden


This is a value priced dry Riesling from Germany. Ravensburg is one of the greatest surviving castles in the Kraichgau area of Baden. The estate has a lot of history, being mentioned in documents that date it back to 1251.

I must admit that none of this influenced my decision to pick up this bottle. Rather it was the amazingly low price of $7 and the fact this is Riesling month.

The wine is a versatile one, serving well as a casual sipper or an accompaniment to a meal of ham, poultry or Chinese cuisine. The alcohol level is 11.5%, so it has a very light feel.

We weren’t dazzled by this wine, which lacks complexity. It has a smattering of lime and floral flavor notes and the finish is missing in action. Although listed as dry, this wine inches its way toward off-dry with a hint of sweetness.

This Riesling falls short of other German ones and is well below others much closer to home. Well, what do you expect for $7? Ravensburg would, however, be a perfectly satisfying wine chilled down on the back patio during a scorching Memorial Day weekend.

Rating: 2 of 5   Value: 2.5 of 5

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Friday, May 25, 2012

Sprucewood Shores 2007 Lady In Red, Lake Erie North Shore VQA

Friends, a fire pit, a starlit evening and a bottle of Ontario wine. Those are ingredients for a crackling good evening.
As the stars came out and we fed logs into the flames, we uncorked the 2007 Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery Lady in Red. This Lady is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Green Dragon (the Lady in Green?) was surprised by the quality of this wine. She dislikes heavy tannins and so was quite pleased with the smoothness of this wine. We picked up this wine while on a visit to wineries of the Lake Erie North Shore in Ontario and had a nice visit with Tanya Mitchell, the winemaker. It costs $14.75 Canadian.
But hold the presses – LENS is no more. The wineries on the north shore are now EPIC (Essex Pelee Island Coast). There are 12 wineries and based on our last visit, they should be getting more attention from wine lovers than they do.
Lady In Red is as silky smooth as the name suggests. Bright cherry and blackberry flavors are woven together in this medium bodied wine. After a tasty dance, the wine finishes on a soft note.
Those who are unfamiliar with Ontario wines or wines from EPIC wine country are in for a pleasant surprise. You gotta love this lady!
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Thursday, May 24, 2012

Dry Creek Vineyard 2009 Estate Sauvignon Blanc DCV3


This wine comes from the very first vineyard planted with Sauvignon Blanc in Sonoma County’s famed Dry Creek Valley. It all started when Dry Creek Vineyard’s DCV3 (Dry Creek Vineyard #3) was planted after Prohibition ended.

Today Sauvignon Blanc is the number one planted white variety in Dry Creek Valley. Vines more than 30 years old produce the single-vineyard fruit for DCV’s 2009 Estate Sauvignon Blanc DCV3.

This wine has a complexity that’s lacking in many California Sauvignon Blancs. It has some zesty tropical pop, but stops short of an over-the-top New Zealand style in favor of finesse. The wine has a deep, golden hue and the body is medium.

On the palate there is a delightful riff of pineapple and tropical fruit counterbalanced with acidity and pleasing mineral notes. There is subtle spice in the finish.

There were 252 cases produced and it retails for about $25. The wine was fermented in stainless steel for about 30 days.

DCV3 is PDG (pretty darn good). It’s a Sauvignon Blanc with history and taste and a perfect partner for your seafood entrée.

Rating: 3.5 of 5   Value: 3 of 5

Full Disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.
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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: May 23-26, 2012

Domaine de Nizas

Image of Domaine de Nizas via Snooth

Wednesday, May 23
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. 1. Valley of the Moon Sangiovese, 2. Michael David “6th Sense” Syrah, 3. Franco Serra Barbaresco, 4. Machmer Gewurztraminer Spaetlese. $8 or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Zinfandel. $15.

Thursday, May 24

059216-yellow-road-sign-icon-food-beverage-food-grapesAndersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Newbies: 1. 2011 Domaine de Nizas – Rose’ – Languedoc, France, 2. 2010 Cameron Hughes – Chardonnay Lot 320 – Arroyo Seco, California, 3. 2007 Chateau Gonin – Red Bordeaux – Bordeaux, France, 4. 2009 David Girard – Rive d’ Or – Sierra Foothills, California. Flight $5.50 or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Wines in the Key of Salmon: 1. Mas del la Dame Rose Provence, France, 2. Yalumba Viognier South Australia, 3. Versiano Vingamoto Verdicchio
Italy, 4. Anne Amie Pinot Gris Oregon, 5. Brutacoa Chardonnay
Mendocino, California, 6. Terrica Pinot Noir Monterrey, California, 7. Alain Juame Les Champauvins Cote du Rhone Southern Rhone, France, 8. Talley Pinot Noir. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Zinfandel. $15. Come out and taste Jet's Pizza.

Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, May 25
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Memorial Day Grillin' Wines: 1. Monte Volpe Pinot Grigio, 2. Coppola "Votre Sante" Chardonnay, 3. Rio Perdido Malbec, 4. Sobon Estates Zinfandel. $10 tasting.

Saturday, May 26
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Memorial Day Grillin' Wines: 1. Monte Volpe Pinot Grigio, 2. Coppola "Votre Sante" Chardonnay, 3. Rio Perdido Malbec, 4. Sobon Estates Zinfandel. $10 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Great American Wines for Grilled Foods: 1. Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Michael David’s “Incognito” White, 3. Michael David’s “Incognito” Red, 4. Vigilance, “Cimarron” Red. Flight $2 or nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12 – 4 PM. All-American Saturday. (The First of Three.) The Summer Patio Season is launched with this celebration of classic American food, wine, and beer. (Weather Permitting) Chef Bill Kolhoff will be cooking gourmet burgers, delicious sausages, fresh fish, and whole lot more. Our Wine Guy Austin Beeman will be on hand pouring samples of delicious American Wines and American Craft Beers. No reservations needed.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS

  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

June is Ohio Wine Month; Celebrate with the 2nd Annual Amazing Grape Race


In celebration of June is Ohio Wine Month, eleven wineries and three visitors bureaus along the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Wine Trail announce the second annual AMAZING GRAPE RACE which will take place between June 1st to June 30th.

A free 'Amazing Race' card is available at each of the participating wineries and supporting convention and visitors bureaus.

Travelers must visit the wineries within the month of June, have their race card endorsed with a secret code word at each participating winery. Once the Amazing Grape Race card is completed, it must be mailed by July 14, 2012 to Ohio Wine Producers Association at 33 Tegam Way, Geneva, OH 44041.

The first three hundred travelers who return cards will receive a complimentary 6-bottle wine tote to fill with the wines they discovered so they may Take Home the Experience to enjoy with family and friends. [one gift per card please].
All who do complete the Race will also be entered into a drawing to win the following prizes:
  • Grand Prize: Kalahari Resorts Safari 2 Bedroom Suite Stay for 6 including 6 Waterpark Passes for day of arrival and until 3 PM on Departure Day, 6 Passes to the Safari Adventure Animal Park, and a Take-Home Picture with the Giraffes (Giraffes only on site between May 16 and September 26, 2012.) Valid most Sunday though Thursday arrivals. Some days limited in availability. Expires December 20, 2012. ($919 value)
  • Other prizes
    • Round Trip Jet Express Tickets for two from downtown Port Clinton to downtown Put-in-Bay ($60 value/3 winners)
    • Island Hopping Cruise for two aboard the Goodtime 1 ($54 value)
    • Vintage Ohio Wine Festival Gift Certificate for two ($42 value/8 winners)
    • Ferry tickets for two from Miller Ferries to Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island ($26 value)

PARTICIPATING WINERIES

SUPPORTING CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAUS
Sponsors providing the prizes for the Amazing Grape Race:
Drawing will be held week of July 15th, 2012.
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Monday, May 21, 2012

Adega Condes de Albarei 2009 Salneval Albarino, Rias Baixas


The Salneval Albarino is a delightful white wine ideal for summer sipping and for those with just a couple of bucks in the pocket.

Green Dragon picked this up on sale at the Andersons for a mere $4.99. The wine has a spirit far beyond it’s paltry price.

This is a Spanish white that is known to be a great partner with seafood. It has a golden color with aromas of stone fruit and apple.

It bears the consistency of an unoaked Chardonnay and tends more to the citrus end of the spectrum and away from fruitiness. There is a hint of spice and a refreshing crispness to the wine.

We enjoyed this by itself and then a glass outside on the patio with a dinner of Szechuan shrimp. It was an ideal pairing with the shrimp and blue skies.

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Rating: 3 of 5   Value: 5 of 5
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Saturday, May 19, 2012

La Crema 2010 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley


It’s no lie to say that the 2010 La Crema 2010 Pinot Noir had us flying high. After a frenzied week-long trip to San Diego for our annual conference, it was time to unwind. Unwind we did during a Royal Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas and Key West.
Joining Green Dragon and me were Ace of Bass and Glorious T and their son. One stereotype about cruising was certainly true – you can gain a pound a day if you aren’t careful. The meals in the dining room give you the option of several different appetizers, entrees and desserts. If fact, the servers encourage you to try more than one of each if you like. There’s also a nice wine list.
On this particular day, Green Dragon and I had gone on our first parasailing adventure during our stop at Coco Cay in the Bahamas. After enjoying snorkeling on the pristine beach, we hopped on a speedboat and bounced along the water.
We were then strapped into a harness and sitting on the back of the boat as the parachute was played out into the brisk breeze. Soon we were going up, up, up – like going up an escalator backwards.
It was a peaceful, exhilarating experience. While the water was choppy below – the ride hanging from a parachute five stories in the air was smooth as could be. 
When we touched down, it was time for dinner and some vino. One challenge for the person selecting wine is pairing just the right one with up to four different entrees. I reckoned that Pinot Noir would be the right move.
This Russian River Valley gem was certainly the right pick. This is a plush wine bursting with concentrated berry flavors. The wine has long black cherry flavor notes entwined with vanilla. It has a nice structure but maintains a graceful smooth texture.
Glorious T commented that Russian River Valley is one of her favorite wine regions. This part of Sonoma County is cloaked in coastal fog which protects the grapes from the sun and allows the fruit to ripen slowly.
La Crema Pinot Noir is as smooth as a parasail floating over crystal Caribbean waters. It is about $40 and is recommended.
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Rating: 4.5 of 5   Value: 3 of 5
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Friday, May 18, 2012

Wood County Humane Society Wine and Cheese Benefit Scheduled for June 1


The Wood County Humane Society's Wine and Cheese Benefit will be held Friday, June 1, in Olscamp Hall on the campus of Bowling Green State University from 6:00 to 10:30 PM. This is a relaxing, elegant evening where guests will enjoy a dinner of chicken or Portobello mushrooms, desserts and fine wines to benefit the animals in our community.

Also featured will be silent and live auctions with auctioneer Jerry Anderson from WTOL, Channel 11 and music by CK’s House of Music and the Joe Baker Band. Tickets are $45 per person.

For more information or to donate an auction item, please e-mail wchsevents@gmail.com . For tickets, use the order form at the Wood County Humane Society website.
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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Yangarra Estate 2006 Cadenzia, McLaren Vale


The musically named Cadenzia is a red blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Although this classic combination is a hallmark of the Rhone region of France, the Yangarra GSM comes from the McLaren Vale area of South Australia.
I picked up this bottle at Anderson’s annual closeout. This year I decided that I would look for wines that were originally priced in the $20 to $30 price range and were significantly marked down. This bottle was purchased for $13 and was a very good value.
We popped it open with Sax Man and Wine Chick during an evening when the moon was full and at the closest point to the earth of the year. As the orangey moon emerged above the tree line and danced in
and out of the clouds, Sax Man scrambled to set up his telescope. I dashed inside to get my binoculars (and also open this wine).
The image of the moon was a little blurry, but the Yangarra was really focused. It opened with a blast of herbaciousness and melted into a tasty blend of cherry and fig flavor notes. It is a juicy wine with medium body and a deep red color.
It was a great wine to savor on this moonlit evening – not too aggressive and with smoothness to show what makes Australian wines so appealing.
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Rating: 3.5 of 5   Value: 4 of 5
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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: May 16-19, 2012

Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Photo taken at Skil...
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Photo taken at Skillogalee Winery in the Clare Valley in 2006. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, May 16
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Red and White Blends: 1. Concannon Crimson & Clover, 2. Kitfox Foxy Red, 3. Kitchen Sink White, 4. Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier Flight $8 or nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Cabernet Sauvignon. $15.
Thursday, May 17

Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Fun and Affordable: 1. Quattro Leoni 2008 Vino Bianco Monferrato Italy DOC, 2. Castillo de Monseran 2009 Garnacha Carinena Spain, 3. Asunto Carmenere Chile, 4. Alta Alella 2005 Dolce Mataro Spain. Flight $4 or nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. Our Annual Last Great Cabernet Tasting Before Summer: 1. Concha y Toro Grand Reserve – Chile, 2. Fitch Mountain Cell
Knights Valley, California. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Cabernet Sauvignon. $15. Come out and taste Jet's Pizza.
ars - Alexander Valley, California, 3. Ben Marco - Mendoza, Argentina, 4. Obsidian Ridge Red Hills, Lake County, California, 5. Fritz - Dry Creek Valley, California, 6. Fransican Stylus - Napa Valley, California, 7. Regusci - Napa, California, 8. Beringer Kinghts Valley Reserve
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, May 18
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Italian Wines: 1. Terredora Dipaolo Falanghina, 2. Montaribaldi Moscato d'Asti, 3. Perazzeta Sara Sangiovese, 4. Tacchino Barbera del Monferrato. $15 tasting.

Saturday, May 19
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Italian Wines: 1. Terredora Dipaolo Falanghina, 2. Montaribaldi Moscato d'Asti, 3. Perazzeta Sara Sangiovese, 4. Tacchino Barbera del Monferrato. $15 tasting.
The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Delicious New French Reds: 1. Gauthier Cotes du Rhone, 2. Chateau des Leotins Bordeaux, 3. Chateau les Terrasses de Bouey Bordeaux, 4. Les Forts du Moulin Syrah/Grenache blend. Flight $2 or nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12 – 5 PM. Gigondas & Wines of the Southern Rhone in France. Fresh from the 1st Ever ‘Unofficial’ Walt Churchill’s Market Wine Tour, our wine guy Austin Beeman has a new appreciation for Gigondas and that appellation’s role in the wines of the Rhone Valley. Come and taste these awesome red wines. They are dark and powerful, but also elegant and graceful. Premium tasting. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Niagara, Ontario, To host the “The Rebirth of Cool” During Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration

This July, the Niagara region of Ontario will once again welcome the world’s top cool climate Chardonnay producers to celebrate the rebirth of a seriously cool grape. Wine enthusiasts and food lovers are invited to discover and enjoy the many reasons to celebrate everything Chardonnay throughout a weekend full of activities from July 20th to 22nd, 2012.
“It’s about time we had a festival that celebrated the greatness that is Chardonnay” –says Eric Hamacher, Owner and winemaker at Hamacher Wines, Oregon.
The second annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C) will showcase over 110 cool climate Chardonnays. Guests will have the ability to ‘blend’ their own Chardonnay experience by choosing from twelve unique events over the three day celebration. Friday evening’s official Kick-Off Party will feature a wandering feast at Jackson Triggs where guests can meet all fifty-five winemakers, followed by a concert featuring a Juno-award winning band in the picturesque vineyard amphitheatre. Connoisseurs can participate in an in-depth winemaker discussion hosted by 2012 i4C Keynote Speaker Stephen Brook of Decanter Magazine on “Extreme Winemaking” then mingle with winemakers at one of eight gourmet
Chardonnay-inspired luncheons at some of Niagara’s most striking wineries. The i4c’s signature event – the Cool Chardonnay World Tour – offers the only opportunity to sample all 110 wines and is set this year in the stunning rhododendron gardens at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. After the tasting, guests can stroll to the al fresco Taste of Canada dinner and cap off the evening with dancing under the stars.
Chardonnay grown in a cool climate is “Chardonnay with vibrancy and life. When Chardonnay ripens properly in a cool environment, the fruit flavors are zesty and strong, but retains an acidity and minerality that makes the wine refreshing” says Michael Brajkovich, winemaker at New Zealand’s Kumeu River, one of 55 International and Canadian wineries participating in the event this July.
The 2012 i4C offers attendees the opportunity to discover the many ways that Chardonnay can be “cool” - from latitude and attitude to misty ocean breezes, from steep alpine vineyard sites to extreme variations in weather conditions. Guests will taste how these various “cool” factors affect Chardonnay, and can also participate in a “Chardonnay Boot Camp and Challenge” at the exclusive Vineland Research and Innovation Centre Sensory Lab. “Our goal is not only to celebrate this fabulous grape, but to empower our guests to discover more fantastic cool climate Chardonnays after the event weekend” says Ron Giesbrecht, winemaker at Henry of Pelham and i4c co-chair of the Educational Program.
Tickets and information are available at www.coolchardonnay.org. Until May 23rd, guests can enter for a chance to win a “Cool i4c weekend” – 2 passes to all i4c events with accommodation.

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Monday, May 14, 2012

Evodia 2010 Old Vine Garnacha Calatayud


This Spanish wine comes from importer Eric Solomon, the same person who brought us the highly rated Las Rocas Garnacha several years ago. He has scored another direct hit with Evodia.

The wine is produced from old vine Garnacha (Grenache) grapes grown in the slate soils of the Calatayud region in Spain. As with most old vine wines, the vineyards produce less grapes with more concentrated flavors. The source is the highest elevated Garnacha vineyard in Spain.
Quite frankly, I was initially drawn in by the striking label. Upon further investigation, it seemed to be a cool Garnacha at a surprisingly low price.
The wine has pepper on the approach with medium body and noticeable tannins. Although black cherry plays a leading role, the overall impression is savory, with earth and mocha. This vino is a nice pairing with dark chocolate.
It’s a great value at less than $10 and an exotic choice for those whose red selections are usually limited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Get caught up in old vine Garnacha!
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Rating: 3 of 5   Value: 4 of 5
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Saturday, May 12, 2012

Drink Local Wine Conference Sets Attendance Record




DENVER (May 9, 2012) – DLW 2012: Colorado, the fourth annual regional wine conference organized by DrinkLocalWine, not only set an attendance record, but played host to more media than ever before and likely set a conference best for social media participation.

"The only question left after this year: 'How do we top it next year?' " says DLW president and co-founder Jeff Siegel. "But that's the nature of the beast -- the enthusiasm for regional wine is such that we always seem to do just that."

The conference, held at Metro State College in Denver on April 28, sold out, with some 200 consumers and media in attendance. Among those on hand were 1 Wine Dude blogger Joe Roberts, who wrote about local wine as part of the local food movement; David White of Terroirist, who noted that the regional wine movement continues to gain momentum; and George Taber, author of the "The Judgment of Paris," who found Colorado cabernet franc much to his liking.

Olivia Wilder, host of the top-rated Olivia Wilder Times on the blogtalk.com radio network, broadcast her show live from the conference, interviewing winemakers and personalities during the Nomacorc-Colorado Twitter Taste-off. Downloads of the program exceeded the network's expectations and were the most ever for the three years she has broadcast from the conference.

Other conference highlights:
• Nomacorc-Colorado Twitter Taste-off winners: Ruby Trust Cellars Smuggler, a cabernet franc-based blend, for best red wine; Guy Drew Vineyards pinot gris for best white wine and Media Choice; and Redstone Meadery Nectar of the Hops for People's Choice.
• Jess Hunter, a Denver food blogger (@JessHunter) won the Nomacorc Most Creative Tweet award. Among her standouts: "I scream, you scream, we all scream when they oak riesling."
• Colorado Wine Industry Development Board executive director Doug Caskey received the annual Friend of DrinkLocalWine honor for his tireless work in promoting the state's wines.
• Robert Kolkman, who said Colorado was his favorite wine region among The Other 47, was the winner in the Amtrak Colorado Wine Country Getaway. He receives two tickets on the California Zephyr between Denver and Grand Junction.

DLW 2012 follows the success of the first three conferences -- in Dallas featuring Texas wine in 2009, in Loudoun County featuring Virginia wine in 2010, and in St. Louis featuring Missouri wine in 2011. DLW also holds an annual Regional Wine Week in October, in which wine bloggers, writers and columnists from the U.S. and Canada write about their favorite regional wines, ranging from Ontario to New York to Florida to Texas to Colorado.

DrinkLocalWine's goal is to spotlight wine made in the 47 states and Canada that aren't California, Washington, and Oregon. It's the brainchild of Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntyre and wine blogger Jeff Siegel, the Wine Curmudgeon. For information about DrinkLocalWine.com, call (469) 554-9463, email drinklocalwine@gmail.com or follow us them Twitter.
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Friday, May 11, 2012

Time to Celebrate: May Is Riesling Month


To celebrate the Finger Lakes most famous and renowned wine variety, the month of May has been dedicated to Riesling. “We are thrilled to announce the return of our May is Riesling Month promotion,” said Morgen McLaughlin, president of Finger Lakes Wine Country. “We invite Riesling lovers everywhere to join Team Riesling and take advantage of special Riesling packages, attend exclusive Riesling events, and enjoy great savings on Finger Lakes Riesling purchases. Journey to Finger Lakes Wine Country this May to meet the winemakers at their source and to discover why our region is home to world-class Riesling.”

Riesling is king in the Finger Lakes. This noble grape is the Finger Lakes most widely planted Vinifera variety with more than 1,000 acres in production. The microclimate conditions and the slate soils that are so special to the Finger Lakes are exactly what make Riesling thrive here. The wineries of Finger Lakes Wine Country continue to be internationally recognized for their award-winning Rieslings in such publications as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine, Wine & Spirits, and Decanter. Many of the region’s Rieslings have won many prestigious medals at wine competitions like Riesling du Monde, or Rieslings of the World, in the Alsace region of France.

The May is Riesling Month celebration will include special events at renown Riesling producers like Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard and Red Newt Cellars; specialty Riesling tastings at wineries including Hunt Country Vineyards, Glenora Wine Cellars, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, and Three Brothers Winery & Estates; and the opportunity to take advantage of great deals on shipping Finger Lakes Rieslings right to your door from wineries like Dr. Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars, Fox Run Vineyards, and Heron Hill Winery.

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail’s Riesling to Visit Passport, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail’s Vino Visa Coupon book, and the Keuka Lake Wine Trail Passport will be available for great savings along the respective trails. Lastly, Riesling Hour, the world's largest virtual Riesling tasting returns on Thursday, May 31.

In addition, the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars, the Holiday Inn Riverview in Elmira, and the Radisson Hotel Corning and other participating hotels, inns, and bed & breakfasts will be offering special Riesling-themed getaway packages that may include the wine trail passports and a taste of Finger Lakes Riesling. Area restaurants will feature Finger Lakes Riesling on their menus. The Blue Pointe Grille at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel will offer a half-price wine flight with the purchase of an entrée.

The popular “May is Riesling Month” promotion returns to Finger Lakes Wine Country with the debut of #TeamRiesling in the month of May. Visitors to the region can pick up the special #TeamRiesling button for free at any of the participating tourism businesses for access to special Riesling promotions, packages and tastings. If a visitor is spotted wearing the #TeamRiesling button and a picture is posted to Facebook or Twitter, then he or she is eligible for a chance to win one of many great prizes. #TeamRiesling is also the special Twitter hashtag used during May for fellow wine lovers to connect and share Riesling stories.

More information on May is Riesling Month, along with a full listing of packages and promotions can be found at www.FingerLakesWineCountry.com/RieslingRocks.aspx.

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Thursday, May 10, 2012

Quivira Vineyards and Winery 2009 Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley


This wine accompanied dinner at Il Fornaio restaurant on Coronado Island in San Diego. It was a staff dinner before a long work assignment at our annual conference.

It took longer than expected to get to the restaurant because our water taxi was delayed by Navy Seals who were in San Diego Bay conducting a training exercise. Before long, our mission was accomplished as we sat down to a delicious Italian dinner at the Tuscan style restaurant perched on the edge of the water.

While many at our table opted for a craft beer, the Quivira Zinfandel caught my eye. Although the winery was unfamiliar to me, Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley is an outstanding wine region and Zin is a great match for pasta.

A flare of blueberry and jam greets the nose. On the palate this is a round wine with blackberry and plum. It struck a nice balance between refreshing, smooth berry notes and a dry dash of black pepper. This is a medium to full bodied wine. It was a great pairing with my lasagna and should match well with pizza or grilled food.

The blend is 83% Zinfandel, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petite Sirah, 3% Syrah, 2% Grenache, which adds interest to this wine. The wine comes from “12 diverse vineyard lots” but is not a 100% estate produced wine. The winery is biodynamic and uses compost and cover crops instead of chemical fertilizers.

Quivira should also be given props for the crazy wild pig that appears on the label. The wild pigs came over with some of the first settlers of the region and feed on the Zinfandel grapes when their food sources become scarce in the dry summertime. On the up side, Zinfandel pairs very well with wild pig sausage.

The 2009 Quivira Zinfandel sells for about $20 (a reasonable $34 at our restaurant) and is a good choice for lunch or outdoor barbecues.

Rating: 4 of 5   Value: 3 of 5

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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Toledo Area Wine Tastings & Events: May 9-12, 2012

From Esterlina Tasting Room in Mendocino Count...
From Esterlina Tasting Room in Mendocino County California. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Wednesday, May 9
The Andersons, Sylvania, Wine Tasting. 6-8 PM. 1. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Merlots. $15.
Thursday, May 10

Andersons, Maumee, Wine Tasting. 5-7 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

The Andersons, Talmadge Road. Wine Tasting. Nominal fee per sample.

Beer and Wine Cave, 4400 Heatherdowns, (419) 382-6221. 6-9 PM. Merlots. $15. Come out and taste Jet's Pizza.
Corks Wine and Liquor, Promenade Plaza, 27250 Crossroads Pkwy., Rossford – (419) 872-6800. 6-9 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

TREO Wine Bar, 5703 Main St., Sylvania, (419) 882-2266. Wine & Cheese Thursday. Explore the wonderful world of wine and cheese. Try four different wines with a sample platter of the day’s cheese.

Friday, May 11
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Mother's Day Sauvignon Blancs: 1. Mapema "Chilean" Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Monmousseau "Loire Valley" Sauvignon Blanc, 3. Dashwood "New Zealand" Sauvignon Blanc, 4. Medlock Ames "Alexander Valley" Sauvignon Blanc. $15 tasting.





Saturday, May 12
Aficionado Wine and Cigars, The Shoppes at RiverPlace, 26567 N. Dixie Highway, Suite 135, Perrysburg, (419-873-4444). 5:00 – 8:30 p.m. Mother's Day Sauvignon Blancs: 1. Mapema "Chilean" Sauvignon Blanc, 2. Monmousseau "Loire Valley" Sauvignon Blanc, 3. Dashwood "New Zealand" Sauvignon Blanc, 4. Medlock Ames "Alexander Valley" Sauvignon Blanc. $15 tasting.

The Andersons, Woodville Mall. 1-3 PM. Nominal fee per sample.
Walt Churchill’s Market, 3320 Briarfield. Maumee, (419) 794-4000. 12 – 5 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

Walt Churchill's Market, 26625 Dixie Hwy, Perrysburg, (419) 872-6900. Wine Tasting. 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Nominal fee per sample.

AREA WINE BARS
  • The Bistro at Maumee Wines, (419) 893-2525, 2556 Parkway Plaza, Maumee.
  • Tres Belle Wine and Martini Lounge, (419) 874-4555, 3145 Hollister Lane, Perrysburg (Levis Commons).
  • Zinful Wine Bar & Restaurant, (419) 878-9463, 7541 Dutch Road, Waterville.
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[Information on tastings can be sent to TWAV@ATT.NET.]
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